Can real estate investing offer a path to financial freedom? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig is joined by Jake Baker, an engineer turned real estate investor, as they discuss his remarkable journey from house hacking to the innovative co-living model in Jacksonville. Jake shares his transition from aerospace engineering to full-time real estate investing, including his first experiences with the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) and how the co-living model has helped him optimize cash flow while growing his portfolio.

Jake discusses the power of networking, particularly at conferences like BPCon, and reveals how he found his passion for real estate while studying at Long Beach State. He also talks about his unique experience with co-living spaces and how he blends short-term and long-term strategies for financial freedom.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[03:48] - Jake shares his real estate journey, starting as an engineer.
[04:50] - First property investment in Long Beach with a close friend.
[06:15] - How Jake and his friend made their first real estate deal work.
[08:12] - Why they decided to partner on their first property in Long Beach.
[09:10] - Financing their first house with an FHA loan and creative down payment.
[11:00] - The importance of choosing the right property and managing risk.
[13:05] - Explaining the tax advantages of selling a primary residence using the "2 of 5-year rule".
[14:45] - His first out-of-state investment in Jacksonville and the key lessons learned.
[16:40] - Jake explains his move to co-living and how it increases cash flow.
[19:30] - How Jake’s co-living model works and the potential for long-term success.
[22:00] - The importance of location, layout, and tenant demographics in co-living investments.
[25:10] - The benefits of using private money for real estate deals and partnerships.
[27:30] - How he found success with short-term rentals in San Diego.
[30:45] - Strategies for turning a 3-bedroom house into a 9-bedroom co-living space.
[36:20] - Key factors when transitioning from traditional long-term rentals to co-living.
[39:00] - The importance of understanding co-living regulations and permits in San Diego.
[41:00] - The future of co-living investments and what his plans are for growth.

HOST
Craig Curelop   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   
💻Co-living Conference: co-livingconference.com

GUEST
Jake Baker
💻LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-baker-831a97208/
🌐Website: https://bookkeepingre.com/

Are you ready to hear how Ali Garced, a successful real estate agent, is mastering remote business management while building a nationwide real estate team? In today’s episode of Invest2FI, Ali shares her journey of working remotely from St. Paul, Minnesota, and the growth of her real estate team under the EXP umbrella. She also talks about her return to real estate investment, focusing on a seven-unit building in St. Paul, all while still building her real estate team from afar.  

This episode is packed with actionable advice for agents looking to expand remotely and investors interested in growing a real estate portfolio. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:55] Ali shares her business evolution from Arizona to Minnesota
[06:15] The flexibility of working remotely in real estate explained
[09:00] How Ali manages client relationships despite being in a different state
[11:30] Remote real estate work: Efficiency through showings and outsourcing
[14:40] Exploring how Ali uses social media and YouTube for lead generation
[17:00] Ali’s YouTube journey: From zero to lead generation machine
[19:10] Why YouTube is Ali’s preferred platform for real estate marketing
[21:30] Outsourcing showing agents: Ali’s solution for efficient operations
[24:10] The importance of automation and delegation in business scaling
[27:50] Ali discusses the transition back into real estate investment
[30:00] A detailed look at Ali’s investment in a seven-unit building
[33:00] How Ali leverages private lending to fund her real estate purchases
[36:20] Ali's approach to securing properties below market value
[40:00] The benefits of Section 8 tenants in rental property investments
[44:30]Scaling your real estate portfolio and managing remote operations 

HOST
Craig Curelop
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDzeaig Curelop

GUEST
Ali Garced
📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_the_agent/
🌐Website: https://www.aligarced.com/
🖥️Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandragarced/
🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlitheAgent 

Are you looking to get into real estate but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you want to learn how investors achieve long-term financial independence? In today’s episode, Craig is with Owen Dashner, a real estate veteran with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the key lessons and strategies he’s learned from his journey in real estate.  

Owen is a co-host of the popular REIA Radio podcast with Ted Kaasch, and he brings his wealth of knowledge about buying single-family homes, flipping properties, and investing in multi-family properties. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your real estate portfolio, Owen’s insights are invaluable. From understanding market dynamics to avoiding costly mistakes, Owen’s candid approach to investing will inspire you to take action and improve your strategy. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[03:39] Owen’s journey into real estate after exploring various career paths. 
[07:08] Creative finance strategies, like “nothing down,” transformed his real estate approach. 
[10:35] His experience buying foreclosures and flipping properties for profit. 
[13:19] Why his first flip wasn’t profitable but still offered valuable insights. 
[17:00] Partnering with a friend helped Owen maximize his investment efforts without capital. 
[20:02] Switching focus from single-family homes to multi-family properties for faster growth. 
[24:09] The importance of mentors and relationships within real estate meetups. 
[28:15] How small-town banks helped him finance real estate with 100% funding. 
[30:55] His portfolio with the BRRRR method, utilizing creative financing and rehab. 
[34:18] Pros and cons of self-managing properties versus hiring a property management company. 
[37:25] Obstacles like renovations, contractors, and making low offers in real estate. 
[44:42] The importance of setting clear property criteria to guide negotiations. 
[47:15] Direct mail campaigns helped Owen target off-market deals and boost his success rate. 
[51:09] Reflections on lessons learned from the market shift following the 2008 crisis. 

HOST
Craig Curelop   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze    

GUEST
Owen Dashner
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenmoneyrealestate/
📽️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reia-radio/id1582763673
🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-dashner-20869a/ 

What if you could turn $40,000 into a multi-million-dollar real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Ted Kaasch, an Omaha-based investor and leader of one of the fastest-growing REIAs in the U.S. Ted shares how he transitioned from foundation sales to real estate, using the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method to flip condemned properties into high-performing assets. 

He reveals how strategic networking, wholesaler connections, and REIA groups fueled his success—including turning an $11,000 condemned house into a cash-flowing short-term rental. Ted also discusses the future of real estate investing, his shift to self-storage, and the rising regulations affecting rental investors. 

Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start, scale, or adapt in real estate. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[03:13] How Ted transitioned from foundation sales to real estate investing.
[07:04 ] The impact of learning construction on real estate deals.
[12:22] How networking and wholesaling helped Ted grow his business.
[18:43] Turning a $40K seed fund into a multi-million dollar portfolio.
[24:30]  Breaking down Ted’s perfect BRRRR deal on a condemned house.
[31:16] Challenges of securing permits during the 2020 pandemic.
[38:00] How Omaha’s market growth is attracting outside investors.
[41:56] Why Ted is selling off rentals and shifting to self-storage investing.
[45:20] The impact of rental regulations on landlords in Omaha.
[50:42] How Ted built one of the fastest-growing REIA groups in the U.S.
[54:36] Final thoughts on building a strong real estate network.

HOST
Craig Curelop   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Ted Kaasch
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaaschmoney
📽️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reia-radio/id1582763673
🌐 Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedkaasch 

What does it take to succeed in the short-term rental market? In this episode, Craig speaks with Avery Carl, a leader in short-term rental real estate. Avery shares her journey from musician to real estate expert and discusses her proven strategies for building a thriving rental business. With over 225 properties in prime vacation destinations, she offers key insights into property selection, renovations, and scaling a rental portfolio.  

Learn how to choose the best markets, make smart property upgrades, and avoid common mistakes that can cost you. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your business, Avery’s knowledge will guide you every step of the way. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[03:18] - Introduction to Avery Carl, short-term rental real estate expert.
[04:10] - Avery shares her transition from musician to real estate.
[08:30] - How to choose the best short-term rental markets.
[12:45] - Why location is key for rental success.
[15:00] - Avery’s first rental purchase and financial strategy.
[18:05] - Scaling a short-term rental business with minimal risk.
[22:10] - Red flags when selecting vacation rental properties.
[26:50] - High-ROI renovation tips for beach and mountain rentals.
[30:20] - Understanding guest experience for success.
[35:45] - Scaling to 5,000 clients and $3.5B in deals.
[45:00] - Building a brand in short-term rentals.
[50:30] - Market trends and the future of short-term rentals.
[55:00] - Final thoughts on growing a business by helping others. 

HOST
Craig Curelop    
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze    

GUEST
Avery Carl
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaverycarl/
📽️Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/theshorttermshop
🌐 Website: https://theshorttermshop.com/ 

What if you could reach financial independence in your 20s? This week on Invest2FI, we welcome Courtney Frazee, a young and determined real estate investor from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Courtney started her journey at 20 years old, turning a rental dilemma into a profitable house-hacking strategy. She shares how she scaled from her first house hack to a thriving rental portfolio, all while living behind a curtain to maximize her investments. 

In this episode, Courtney opens about her unconventional path, the financial risks she took, and the lessons she learned about property management, tenant screening, and leveraging resources. Her story is a testament to financial resilience, strategic investing, and making sacrifices for long-term rewards. 

Courtney’s journey proves that financial independence is possible with determination, creativity, and the right strategy. Tune in to hear her firsthand experiences and gain insights into making real estate work for you! 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:19] Courtney’s unexpected start in real estate after a friend backed out. 
[05:07] Learning to house hack: renting out rooms while living behind a curtain. 
[10:22] Buying her first home and financing it with a low down payment. 
[12:48] How she handled tenant screening and lease agreements successfully. 
[16:02] Managing unexpected roommate challenges and ensuring rental income stability. 
[21:35] Transitioning to her second property and overcoming financing obstacles. 
[25:20] Key lessons learned from handling maintenance and property management. 
[28:45] Scaling her real estate portfolio and shifting her mindset for success. 
[30:58] The impact of rising interest rates and how it affected her strategy. 
[32:15] Moving from pure profitability to comfort while still house hacking. 
[33:52] Parting words of wisdom for the listeners. 
[34:31] Final hour discussion on lessons learned and next steps.   
[37:25] The importance of risk-taking and getting comfortable with the unknown.  [39:08] Advice for new investors: Start now, stay consistent, and keep learning.

HOST
Craig Curelop   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Courtney Frazee
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyfrazee26/# 

Are you wondering how to build businesses that allow you to travel the world? In this episode, Craig is with Adrienne Greene, an experienced entrepreneur and real estate investor who has successfully built a real estate portfolio and virtual staffing business while living abroad. She made the leap from a traditional W2 job to running multiple businesses remotely, and in this episode, she shares her inspiring journey.  

Adrienne’s path began with real estate investing on a farm, and she discovered the power of house hacking by renting out a basement to generate income. As her portfolio grew, she scaled her investments through systems and virtual assistants, making the process smoother and more efficient. Balancing real estate investing with family life while traveling full-time wasn’t easy, but Adrienne found ways to make it work.  

She also reveals the technology tools that keep her business running effortlessly. Tune in to learn how you can build a business that supports your dreams, whether you're at home or traveling the world. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you achieve financial freedom, automate your business, and live life on your terms. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:31] - Adrienne Greene joins the show from Hanoi, Vietnam.
[03:41] - Adrienne talks about her experience traveling with her family.
[05:41] - Adrienne explains how she transitioned from finance to teaching.
[07:54] - Adrienne shares her first step into entrepreneurship through tutoring.
[08:34] - Adrienne recounts starting a family farm and the lessons learned.
[10:58] - How Adrienne turned her family farm into an investment opportunity.
[13:38] - Adrienne discusses her first real estate purchase, a family farm.
[17:23] - Adrienne shares the numbers on her first farm deal and its profitability.
[20:56] - Transitioning from a farm to a more profitable real estate strategy.
[24:33] - How Adrienne scaled up condos in Northern Virginia.
[27:43] - The power of investing in rental properties for cash flow.
[30:48] - Adrienne’s big move to Myrtle Beach and the start of short-term rentals. [33:58] - Lessons from managing short-term rentals remotely and building systems.
[36:48] - Adrienne talks about her short-term rental experience with Airbnb.
[39:18] - How automation and outsourcing systems help Adrienne travel while managing properties. 

HOST
Craig Curelop   
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Adrienne Greene
📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARealGreen123/
🌐Website: https://adriennegreen.com/
🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arealgreen/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arealgreen 

Are you wondering how real estate investing can lead to financial freedom while traveling the world? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is joined by Sarah Weaver, a successful real estate investor who turned house hacking into a six-figure income. Sarah shares how she bought her first property for $115K, transforming it into a $1.4M portfolio. She also discusses her strategy of renting out multiple properties remotely, generating $6,000 per month in passive income. Discover her tips for scaling with virtual assistants, how she achieved financial freedom by age 28, and how house hacking and mid-term rentals helped fund her travels. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, Sarah’s story offers actionable insights on turning real estate investments into a thriving business while enjoying life on the go. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[03:39] - Sarah’s $115K property and her $1.4M portfolio growth.
[7:20] - How Sarah started house hacking to generate $6,000 per month.
[12:00] - Financing strategies: Minimal funds and leveraging creative deals.
[17:50] - Growing from one rental to 20 properties while traveling.
[22:30] - Managing properties remotely through systems and virtual assistants.
[30:10] - The rise of mid-term rentals and their role in passive income.
[35:45] - Key mindset for first-time investors looking to scale.
[40:20] - The power of virtual assistants in scaling remotely.
[47:00] - Lessons learned scaling a business from $115K to $1.4M.
[53:15]- Remote property management strategies to keep profits high.
[58:30] - Finding the right team to make remote real estate management work.

HOST
Craig Curelop    
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Sarah Weaver
📘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahdweaverpage
🌐Website: https://www.sarahdweaver.com/
🔗LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdweaver/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahdweaver/ 

What does it take to house hack in a high-cost city like Denver? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig sits down with Gabe Slind. He is a Naval Academy graduate and U.S. Navy officer currently stationed in Denver, Colorado. With a passion for financial independence and discovered real estate investing. Determined to make the most of his time in Denver, Gabe took a calculated risk and purchased a six-bedroom house hack using a VA loan. Despite facing $40,000 in unexpected repair costs, he successfully rented out all the rooms, generating cash flow while living for free. 

Now, he shares his insights on choosing the right real estate team, managing tenants, and maximizing house hacking opportunities in a high-cost market. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to scale, Gabe’s story proves that house hacking is still viable in 2025. Learn how he secured financing, negotiated a deal, and managed tenants—all while serving in the U.S. Navy. If you’re ready to start investing, this episode is packed with practical insights to get you there. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[2:59] Gabe transitions from the Naval Academy to Denver and discovers real estate investing.
[7:13] House hacking’s impact and how Scott Trench’s talk introduced Gabe to investing.
[12:12] Why Gabe chose Denver and structured his VA loan for success.
[15:01] Challenges finding the right property and negotiating seller credits in a competitive market.
[18:49] Gabe’s six-bedroom home cost $518K with $18K in seller concessions secured.
[21:55] Unexpected repairs included $20K foundation fixes and a $15K sewer replacement.
[25:22] Gabe successfully claimed insurance, covering 90% of his expensive sewer repair.
[28:02] Finding tenants using Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and other rental listing platforms.
[30:15] Mortgage costs $3,400, rental income exceeds $4,700, boosting cash flow significantly.
[33:05] Lessons learned about repairs, realtors, emergency funds, and long-term financial security.

HOST
Craig Curelop    
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Gabe Slind 
Email: [email protected] 

Are you facing the complexities of the 2025 real estate market? Join host Craig Curelop as he interviews Dave Meyer, BiggerPockets' data expert to uncover actionable insights for investors. As the Vice President of Data and Analytics at BiggerPockets, Dave is the go-to resource for market insights and strategic advice, helping real estate investors make informed decisions. 

Dave shares predictions for housing prices, mortgage rates, and rent growth while diving into strategies like house hacking, value-add investing, and creative financing.  Known for his engaging personality, he is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the real estate community, offering a unique blend of expertise, humor, and approachability.  

Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, this episode equips you to leverage transitional markets and long-term trends. Learn how job growth, supply constraints, and smart tools can set you up for success. Stay till the end for an in-depth comparison of real estate, stocks, and crypto investments. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
[2:19] Dave Meyer on transitioning back to the US and housing
[5:07] Why 2025 is a challenging year for real estate predictions
[8:40] Inventory trends and why the market may hit bottom soon
[14:32] Resetting expectations: Real estate after 2013–2022 anomalies
[19:22] Creative financing tools: Subject-to deals and other strategies
[22:03] How to identify high-growth out-of-state real estate markets
[33:40] Balancing cash flow vs. appreciation for long-term investors
[41:20] Rent growth projections and multifamily supply constraints
[44:15] Will housing affordability ever improve in the US?
[48:00] Why population growth and immigration are critical for housing

HOST
Craig Curelop    
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   
🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST
Dave Meyer
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedatadeli
📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/real-estate-by-the-numbers